do it afraid.

"Fear is the opposite of faith." This is such a dangerous lie to believe.

​No, my friends, faith and fear are NOT opposites.​

​The significance in remembering this is that we can be obedient in faith and still feel fear. The presence of fear is not attributed to our lack of faith and willingness to obey. Friends, there will be times - for some of us, MANY times! - when we have to do it afraid.

My husband and I were recently seeking God together. While we regularly worship, pray, and read the Word, we were taking some time to really press in and ask God what He wanted us to do. He spoke something very clearly to us - and then proceeded to confirm it over and over again. He told us to prepare for a big change. 

There are so many unknowns - again. Y'all, I am type A. I like plans and routines and schedules and finely tuned processes. I like research and sure things and reassurance. Security is my thing, and I crave it more than chocolate.

But here we are. I've had many talks with God about how and when and where and what. And you know what I've heard? "Get ready."

That.is.it.

That is all. No details - just confirmations - get ready. So we have. It isn't because we aren't afraid. We aren't risk-takers by nature. And even if we were, having 6 little people to take care of (2 of whom are particularly sensitive to change!), would curb that tendency.

I say all this to encourage someone - anyone - whoever is reading this - do it afraid. Whatever He's asking you to do - no matter how small or big - do it. Don't wait for the fear to pass, because it most likely won't this side of your obedience. And that's okay. That's why He is God, and His plans are higher.

I shared this on facebook several years ago, and it couldn't be more true today:

For years there's been this inner battle. Part of me craves pretty things, safety, and approval - dare I admit even admiration - from people. But there's another part... a deeper part... that longs for a radically laid down life. One where we are so surrendered to Holy Spirit that eternity is all that matters. Eternity for us, for our kids, for our family, neighbors, coworkers... for the world. 

And so I've warred with myself - surrendering, picking up, striving, fighting to have the 2 co-exist. To have all of God and His will while having all the things our world recognizes as safe and beautiful and worthy.
It's exhausting. The 2 cannot coexist and in an attempt to make them, I find myself feeling entitled to things - including "blessings" because I'm a child of God. 

This life is so fleeting. So temporal. So very short. The days seem long, but these years are flying by and I want - no, I NEED them to matter. To God. 
Much of what I do and have done has been because I believed it to be God. But the truth is, some has been born out of obligation or a desire to appear strong, put together, and capable. Still yet, some has been simply in an attempt to solicit the approval of others - sometimes those closest to me and sometimes complete strangers.
​
Enough. I am so far from perfect that I am daily in awe of His all encompassing grace. His persistent forgiveness. His redemptive love. And you know what? It's time to actually live like this is what I believe - like the Creator of the Universe passionately seeks after my heart, even though He has searched it. Like Jesus completely, totally, once for all paid the debt of my sins. Like I am who He says I am, not because of what I do, but because of what He did. Like a God that amazing is completely worthy of my everything - because He absolutely is.

The Bible is full of stories of faith. Hebrews 11 could be considered the faith hall of fame! But perhaps my favorite account is that of Peter getting out of the boat. Peter, who had a tendency to leap ahead and allow his passion to lead. Maybe it's because in his story we so clearly see the love of Jesus. Or maybe it's because of all the disciples, I most closely identify with Peter. Whatever the case, the concept of getting out of the boat, walking on the sea with eyes transfixed on Jesus, getting distracted and beginning to go under, only to be rescued by my loving Savior --- something about it seems like seasons of my life written in the Bible thousands of years before my existence.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:25-33

If I can pray with or for you about anything - but specifically about taking a step of faith - please comment or message me. I'd be honored to!